Speaking at the 4th ministerial meeting of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum, Taib Fassi Fihri said that Morocco, its King and people are pinning hope on this Forum and are confident about the efficiency of its mechanisms aimed at stepping up bilateral cooperation.

    He said that "HM King Mohammed VI gave instructions to the Moroccan diplomacy to turn the ties between Morocco and China, a country with a centuries-old civilization and culture, into a role model for partnership in the region."

    Fassi Fihri hailed China's important role as "a main and influential actor on the international scene, its contribution to promoting peace in the world and assistance for developing countries to achieve their legitimate aspirations for development and progress."

    He reiterated Morocco's steadfast and unwavering support for a united China, inviting this country to support the Arab Umma's just causes, mainly the setting up of an independent, sovereign and viable Palestinian State, with Al Quds as capital.

    Fassi Fihri stressed that HM King Mohammed VI, chairman of Al Quds Committee, makes all efforts necessary to defend Al Quds and protect its inhabitants, and is in constant contact with the superpowers' leaders to halt measures taken by the Israeli government.

    Morocco is very satisfied with the joint draft declaration related to establishing strategic cooperation ties between Arab countries and China within the China-Arab Forum, Fassi Fihri said.

    Morocco called for creating a body for strategic dialogue between China and Arab countries that will enable high-ranking officials to examine the different issues and come up with a shared vision to step up cooperation, progress and prosperity.

    The next ministerial meeting is slated for 2012 in Tunisia.